In an interview conducted with the initiator and original STORMER, Kay Mackay of Des Moines, shared that she had never contacted her elected representative. She wasn’t sure how to contact or what to say.

She was incensed hearing the voucher legislation would be the first bill proposed in January of 2023. She identified there were probably persons just like her, and thus STORM was born.

STORMERS send phone text messages with succinct information regarding the legislative bill, talking points, and emails of key representatives, along with the House and Senate switchboard numbers.

In December of 2022 Kay explained this concept to the West Des Moines Democrats and 25 people signed up to receive texts. She also spoke at several Polk County neighborhood meetings and more people volunteered.

The leadership team consists of a pharmacist with a law degree who is also on the West Des Moines School Board, a retired house member, a veteran, a retired Physician’s Assistant, Kay, a retired Human Resources manager and a woman with a genetic disease that confines her to a wheelchair. They always meet at her home because it is convenient.

The STORM Team Leadership meets every Friday and reviews the past week’s legislation including subcommittee meetings and their recommendations. On Friday they determine what bill(s) to STORM. She described what many of us have felt, “There are so many terrible bills”. They strive to keep the message crisp…. bill# and short explanation, then a few talking points and contact information for legislators.

Currently there are 320 persons who receive the texts, and 8 texters.

Legislators will also ask for a STORM if there is short notice. For example, on March 21st, the House Republicans amended (with 49 pages) the AEA bill. Republicans scheduled debate for 5:00 P.M. but didn’t release the amended bill for review until 3:50 PM. At 1:30, a request came to STORM Speaker Pat Grassley’s number and tell him to release the bill.
In 30 minutes, 320 Stormers were texted.

One House Democrat told Kay that a Republican had asked him about this STORM group!!

Before the 2025 session the STORM team plans to expand the texting to persons in Districts 1,2, &4.

Persons wanting to receive texts and become a STORMER should contact Kay Mackay at 515-450-3536, or kaymackey@hotmail.com.